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Hapag-Lloyd has announced that it will be implementing a low sulphur fuel surcharge as a result of the introduction of the North American Emissions Control Area (ECA), which came into effect at the beginning of this month.

In a statement, the company said: "We would like to inform you that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially designated waters off the North American Coast as an area in which stringent international emissions standards will apply for all ships. The North America Emissions Control Area (ECA) has been enforced since August 1st, 2012.

"As a result, Hapag-Lloyd will have to buy more expensive fuel with only 1% sulphur content when sailing within 200 nautical miles of the North American Coast.

"Due to the increased cost Hapag-Lloyd is forced to implement a Low Sulphur Fuel Charge."

The new surcharge will apply to trade from Latin America to North America and North America to Latin America and will be as follows:

Latin America to North America (LANA)

USD 10 per TEU

North America to Latin America (NALA)

USD 10 per TEU

The Hapag-Lloyd surcharge will be effective from Thursday September 6, 2012.